Miscellaneous

Lifeguard liability
(SB796 SD1 HD2 CD1)
Exempts the state and counties from liability in lawsuits over errors or failure to act by lifeguards, except for "gross negligence," or "wanton acts and omissions" by the lifeguards. This makes it more difficult to sue the state and counties in connection with lifeguard's actions. Currently, the state and counties are reluctant to provide lifeguards at some beaches for fear of lawsuits.

Dangerous dogs
(SB 643 SD2 HD1 CD1)
Clarifies the counties are authorized to enact and enforce ordinances relating to dogs that have bitten, injured or maimed any person or animal. County officials were not sure if they had that authority.

Homestead autonomy
(SB1102 SD2 HD1 CD1)
Would allow Hawaiian home lands residents to elect their own governing body and exercise "community-based self-determination" to give them greater autonomy. The committee report specifies the bill is not meant to advocate sovereignty.

Youth services
(HB1233 HD1 SD2 CD1)
Appropriates $2 million over two years to youth services centers.

Student council
(SB670 SD1 HD1)
Establishes the Hawai'i Student Council with 23 student representatives. The council would select the student member of the Board of Education and hold an annual statewide conference to discuss and develop solutions to problems affecting Hawai'i's youth.

Cancer treatment
(SB118 SD1 HD2 CD1)
Establishes a breast and cervical cancer treatment program to help women who are diagnosed with such cancer and are not eligible for Medicaid coverage. The measure appropriates $472,000 over two years for the program.

Police rights
Would have created a so-called police bill of rights for officers accused of on-the-job misconduct.

Driving limits for minors
Would have required all drivers under age 18 to be accompanied by a licensed driver over age 21 when driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. The bill makes an exception for minors who are driving during those hours because of work or a school activity.

Elections
Would have transferred all duties of the state Office of Elections back to the Lieutenant Governor's office.

Budget restrictions
Would have required the governor or the state Department of Budget and Finance to hold public hearings before restricting any money budgeted to state departments or agencies.

UH tuition waivers
Would have authorized tuition waivers for special education and educational administration majors at the University of Hawai'i.

Computer access by minors
Would have limited children's access to pornography on the Internet in public schools and public libraries.

Civil unions
Would have granted to same-sex couples the same tax and other legal benefits that are enjoyed by married couples. The civil unions also would be available to opposite-sex couples who don't wish to marry.

Ko Olina casino
Would allow a single casino license to be issued, with state taxes collected from the operation to be spent on college scholarships. Resort and casino operator Sun International backed the bill, and is interested in building a resort-casino at Ko Olina.